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Cromarty is the most perfect
example of an 18th century Scottish Sea Port
Cromarty is well worth a visit, for those
wanting to be transported back in time, to a different century.
We recommend that you start at Cromarty Court House where you
can
hire a head set audio tour of the town of Cromarty. The town has
many well preserved 18th century buildings to enjoy, including
one of the oldest Protestant Churches in Scotland, Cromarty East
Church. You will find this fascinating, with pews and seating
from a different age. We would recommend a minimum of two hours,
preferably an afternoon or a morning to get the full value of
this special place.
Click on the map to
see it in full size.
Cromarty is situated on the north eastern tip of the Black Isle.
Full of charm, character and history and only half an hour drive
from Inverness with views of seven counties from the headland
above. Cromarty has a natural harbour and is surrounded by rich
agricultural ground.
There has been suggestion that Cromarty was a centre of Royal
authority since at least the 10thC. It was given status of
Royal Burgh in the 13thC. Although the Royal Burgh status was
given up in 1685, Cromarty continued to thrive with the export
of grain and the herring & salmon fisheries.
 Cromarty
Harbour was built between 1781 and 1784. In the 1780’s it
was the principal harbour for the Cromarty Firth. However, trade
declined for Cromarty after the construction of a harbour pier
at Invergordon in 1828.
Cromarty’s economy was kept going
in the late 19thC. by fishing and in the early 20thC. by the
creation of a naval base in the Firth. The fortifications built
to guard the entrance to the Firth are still standing on the
North and South Sutors. Cromarty’s economy revived once more in
the 1970's with the development of oil related industries and
the building of the Kessock Bridge.
Take a walk around the town and visit some of the historical
sites of interest. We would strongly recommend the Audio Town
Tour (which can be obtained from Cromarty Court House).
 1.
Cromarty Courthouse Museum. Discover Cromar ty’s 18th century
Courthouse, where 7 centuries of history is brought to life with
21stC technology. See the prison cells & a 1770’s trial in the
courtroom; meet the eccentric Sir Thomas Urquhart & find out
about the unspoiled 18thC seaport - from where many Highlanders’
emigration journeys started. Go on a digital audio tour around
the lanes & cottages of Cromarty. Next door to Hugh Miller’s
cottage(NTS) - joint ticket available.
www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk
Open 7 days, 1 April to
31 Oct. 10 to 5pm Tel:01381 600418
2. Forsyth House - This grand house was built in 1772 for
William Forsyth, a successful
 merchant,
also Justice of the Peace and a Superintendent for the county.
3. The Ice House - a 19thC. building used for storing ice
to preserve salmon during the summer months.
4. The lanes and vennels of Fishertown This area would
have once been a bustling community of Cromarty,
where several families would have lived together in each of the
simple dwellings in the narrow lanes and vennels.
5. Hugh Miller’s Cottage birthplace of Hugh
Miller(1802-1856), geologist, stonemason and journalist, built
by his grandfather from 1700 onwards (NTS).
6. Bellvue - A very impressive mansion house built in the
mid 1790’s.
7. Hugh Miller Monument - Erected by the
townspeople of Cromarty in 1859.
8.
Gaelic Chapel - Built in 1783 by George Ross to allow
incoming workers to worship in their own language.
9.
The East Church - This well preserved church is the old
parish church of Cromarty. It has been the site of worship since
medieval times, there is a carved grave slab from the 14thC. on
display in the west porch. The church shows the many changes
that have taken place in Scotland’s churches throughout the
centuries. Over the years as the congregations grew in size
there were galleries built by the local landowners, who owned
floor space in the church. Poor people sat on stools in the open
spaces but the moneyed people of the parish had pews which they
rented from the principal landowners who owned the floor space.
The East Church is still used for some Sunday morning services
during the summer and also for some special occasions.
10. Reeds Park Path - A level footpath along the shore at
the est end of the town leading to the ‘100 steps’ which climb
through the trees to the South Sutor.(See map). Alternatively
there is an easy, level loop back to town via the Coalheugh
well.
 11.
The Underground Tradesman’s Entrance - This fascinating
underground entrance was built so that the occupants of the
house wouldn’t see the comings and goings of the servants. The
mansion was built in 1772 for George Ross.
12. St Regulus Graveyard - This is known by local
children as the ‘Pirates Graveyard’ because of the skulls and
bones carved on the gravestones.
13. The Grave of Sandy Wood - Sandy died in 1690 after a
violent quarrel with a neighbour. The belief at that time was
that The Final Judgement would take place on high ground above
Cromarty. With this in mind it was Sandy’s request to be buried
here so that he would be able to put his case first and have a
head start on his neighbour.
 14. The North and South Sutors - These rocks on either
side of the Firth were formed during a period of mountain
forming known as the Caledonian Orogeny around 500 million years
ago. They are supposed to be the abode of two giant
shoemakers who threw their tools at each other across the Firth.
15. The Lighthouse
16. Car Ferry to Nigg - summer only.
17. Cromarty Harbour - Built by John Smeaton and finished
in 1784. Facilities for visiting yachts - see
www.cromartyharbour.org
Alness / Cromarty / Dingwall | 
